Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your PhD thesis and the main areas of research it
covered?
A: Certainly. My thesis focused on stakeholder perceptions of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Namibia, utilising a sequential exploratory mixed method approach. Grounded in Margret Archer’s social realism theory, the study identified structural, cultural, and agential factors shaping these perceptions.
Q: What inspired you to choose this particular topic for your research?
A: The choice of this topic was inspired by a keen interest in understanding the factors influencing stakeholder perceptions of TVET in Namibia. Particularly, I aimed to explore the structural and cultural elements in the context and the agency stakeholders have in dealing with these factors.
Q: How do you envision your PhD qualification contributing to the enhancement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Namibia Training Authority in particular?
A: I envision my PhD qualification contributing to the enhancement of TVET and the Namibia Training Authority by providing insights into identified deficiencies in TVET advocacy, information dissemination, and motivation. The research findings offer a foundation for targeted improvements in these areas.
Q: Are there specific changes or improvements you would like to see in these areas based on your research findings?
A: Based on the research findings, I advocate for changes in TVET advocacy, information dissemination, and motivation to overcome historical stigmas. There’s a need to promote the value of TVET in entrepreneurship, job opportunities, sustainability, and global development.
Q: How do you plan to integrate the knowledge and insights gained from your PhD into your current role or profession?
A: I plan to integrate the knowledge and insights gained from my PhD into my current role by actively engaging with stakeholders, proposing evidence-based strategies, and advocating for improvements in TVET practices.
Q: In what ways do you believe your new qualification will add value to your work?
A: My qualification adds value by providing a deeper understanding of the factors influencing TVET perceptions. This knowledge enables me to contribute more effectively to policy discussions, program development and initiatives aimed at enhancing TVET in Namibia.
Q: Many professionals may be interested in pursuing a PhD while working. How did you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with the demands of doctoral studies?
A: Balancing professional responsibilities with doctoral studies required careful time management and prioritisation. I integrated research tasks into my schedule, leveraged available resources efficiently and maintained open communication with my workplace about my academic commitments.
Q: Graduating with a PhD is a significant accomplishment. How do you plan to celebrate this achievement, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
A: I’m looking forward to celebrate this significant achievement around the fire at Onangombe, my home village, with family, colleagues and friends. We’ll be enjoying a feast, including goat meat, as we commemorate almost four years of sleepless nights dedicated to my journey. It’ll be a moment of joy, reflection and shared festivities in the heart of Onangombe.